who the winner in history?

Question

Who's the winner in history?
Most people would agree with the idea that history is written by the victors, meaning that the more successful (militarily, economically, authoritatively, etc.) countries both receive the most attention and decide on how to present themselves to the world.

Is such a conclusion fair?

Answer 1

Depends. In an open society such as ours, there are a lot of so called revisionist historians. You are free to read their works and develop your own opinion.

I'll give you an example. Read "The Reluctant Belligerent" by Robert A. Divine and then read "The Tragedy of American Diplomacy" by William Appleman Williams. Two completely different prospectives on the events that led to America's involvement in World War II.

In less open societies, such opposing presentations of historical events are not very common.

Answer 2

If you know the phrase "history is written by the victors"

then you certainly know "life is not fair"

Answer 3

absolutely, you will never read a book from hitlers point of view. You never hear about why the english knew losing the colonies would be horrid for their economy, you never hear about the south trying to defend their freedom (even if i myself don't think they had the right to have slaves)

Answer 4

More than Fair,
You have to receive your news from more than one sides view

Answer 5

It is through a truthful reporting of history that we can see where we are going .